Philosophy Although he is remembered for his buildings, I. M. Pei’s greatest influence on the architectural world is his philosophy of design. Just as his designs integrate aesthetics with functionality, Pei himself epitomizes the resolution of both an artist and engineer.He believed that the only issue of contemporary concern was life itself; buildings should be created as living spaces — spaces of activity and thought – rather than static monuments.An unusual dialogue between two very different and very important cultures: east and west.The interplay between geometry and lightThe relationship between the site and building designDue to his reliance on abstract form and materials such as stone, concrete, glass, and steel, Pei has been considered a disciple of Walter Gropius.To the architectural world, Pei legacy is his belief that architecture “is the mir…